Step 20 – Creating Record Sheets and Pedigree Charts

Welcome back to this installment of the 22 Steps in Researching Your Family Tree!

“What do you get when you cross a genealogist with a comedian?”

A family tree with some funny branches!

This blog article is about…

Step 20 – Create your own Family Tree Record Sheets and Pedigree Charts

Welcome to Step 20 of your genealogical journey. As you progress in your research, you will begin to accumulate a wealth of information on your family members. It can become difficult to keep track of everything, especially if you have a large family tree. This is where family tree record sheets and pedigree charts come in handy. By creating these tools, you can organize your research in a way that is easy to read and understand. In this step, we will explore the benefits of using family tree record sheets and pedigree charts, as well as tips and strategies to help you create accurate and comprehensive records. So, let’s get started!

Individual Record Sheets

Individual Record Sheets: The Importance of Keeping Track of Your Ancestors

As a genealogist, one of the most important things you can do is keep detailed records of your ancestors. Individual Record Sheets (IRS) are an essential tool for anyone who wants to document their family history. In this blog post, we will explore what an IRS is, why it is important, and how to create one for your own genealogical research.

What is an Individual Record Sheet?

An Individual Record Sheet is a document used to record the vital information of an individual. This includes their name, birth date, death date, marriage date, and other relevant information such as their occupation or military service. An IRS is an organized and easy-to-read way to keep track of the details of each ancestor.

Why is it important to keep an IRS?

Keeping an Individual Record Sheet is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it helps you keep track of all the information you have gathered about each individual. With the vast amount of information available in genealogy research, it can be easy to lose track of what you have already found. An IRS ensures that you have all the information you need in one place.

Secondly, an IRS helps to prevent errors in your research. By having all the information about an individual in one place, you can quickly and easily compare it to other sources. This helps you avoid making mistakes such as duplicating an ancestor or attributing information to the wrong person.

Lastly, an IRS helps to organize your research. It provides a clear and concise record of each ancestor that you can refer to when needed. It also makes it easier to share your research with others, such as family members or other genealogists.

How to Create an Individual Record Sheet

Creating an Individual Record Sheet is a straightforward process. Here are the basic steps to follow:

Start by creating a template for your IRS. There are several templates available online that you can use as a starting point. Alternatively, you can create your own using a word processing program or spreadsheet.
Include the following information in your template:

Name of the individual
Birth date and place
Death date and place
Marriage date and place (if applicable)
Parents’ names and any relevant information about them
Spouse’s name and any relevant information about them
Children’s names and any relevant information about them
Other relevant information, such as occupation, military service, or immigration status

Once you have created your template, start filling in the information for each ancestor. Use reliable sources, such as birth certificates or census records, to ensure the information is accurate.
Update your IRS regularly as you find new information. This will ensure that you have a complete and accurate record of each ancestor.

Keeping an Individual Record Sheet is an essential part of genealogical research. It helps to keep your research organized, prevent errors, and ensure that you have all the information you need in one place. By following these simple steps, you can create an IRS for each ancestor and ensure that your family history research is accurate and complete.

Family Record Sheets

Family Group Record Sheets: The Key to Understanding Your Ancestors’ Lives

A Family Record Sheet is a document that records information about a single family unit. It typically includes the names of the parents, their dates and places of birth, their marriage date and location, and the names and birth dates of their children. Other information that may be included on a Family Record Sheet includes occupation, residence, and any other significant events, such as military service, that the family members may have experienced.

Creating a Family Record Sheet is easy. You can use a pre-made template that you can find online, or you can create your own using a word processing or spreadsheet program. When creating your own Record Sheet, it is important to include all the relevant information you have gathered. You can organize the information in any way you like, as long as it is easy to read and understand.

When it comes to genealogy research, understanding your ancestors’ lives involves more than just gathering information about each individual. You also need to understand how they fit into their family unit. Family Group Record Sheets (FGRS) are a crucial tool for documenting the family relationships of your ancestors. In this blog post, we will explore what an FGRS is, why it is important, and how to create one for your own genealogical research.

What is a Family Group Record Sheet?

A Family Group Record Sheet is a document that provides a summary of the family unit. It includes information about the husband, wife, and their children, as well as other relevant details such as marriage and death dates, occupations, and residences. An FGRS is a way to see the family unit as a whole and understand the relationships between each family member.

Why is it important to keep an FGRS?

Keeping a Family Group Record Sheet is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it helps you understand the family structure of your ancestors. By seeing the family unit as a whole, you can better understand the relationships between each family member and how they fit into their community.

Secondly, an FGRS helps to identify missing information. If there is a gap in your research, an FGRS can help you identify where to focus your research efforts. For example, if there is a child listed on the FGRS that you have no other information on, you can focus your research on finding more information about that child.

Lastly, an FGRS helps to organize your research. It provides a clear and concise record of each family unit that you can refer to when needed. It also makes it easier to share your research with others, such as family members or other genealogists.

How to Create a Family Group Record Sheet

Creating a Family Group Record Sheet is similar to creating an Individual Record Sheet. Here are the basic steps to follow:

Start by creating a template for your FGRS. There are several templates available online that you can use as a starting point. Alternatively, you can create your own using a word processing program or spreadsheet.
Include the following information in your template:

Husband’s name, birth date and place, death date and place, and any other relevant information
Wife’s name, birth date and place, death date and place, and any other relevant information
Marriage date and place
Children’s names, birth dates and places, death dates and places, and any other relevant information
Other relevant information, such as occupations, residences, and immigration status

Once you have created your template, start filling in the information for each family unit. Use reliable sources, such as marriage certificates or census records, to ensure the information is accurate.
Update your FGRS regularly as you find new information. This will ensure that you have a complete and accurate record of each family unit.

Keeping a Family Group Record Sheet is an essential part of genealogical research. It helps to understand the family structure of your ancestors, identify missing information, and organize your research. By following these simple steps, you can create an FGRS for each family unit and ensure that your family history research is accurate and complete.

Pedigree Charts

Pedigree Charts: Tracing Your Ancestry Through Generations

A Pedigree Chart is a visual representation of your family tree. It typically shows the direct lineage of an individual or family, including their parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents. Pedigree Charts are useful for identifying patterns and connections between family members and can help you to see how your family tree is organized.

Like Family Record Sheets, you can find pre-made Pedigree Charts online or create your own. When creating your own chart, be sure to include all relevant information, such as names, dates of birth and death, and any significant events. You can also add photographs and documents to your Pedigree Chart to make it more visually appealing.

Pedigree charts are a vital tool for genealogists who are tracing their ancestry through multiple generations. These charts provide an at-a-glance view of a family’s lineage, showing the relationships between individuals across several generations. In this blog post, we will explore what a pedigree chart is, how it can be used in genealogy research, and how to create one for your own family history.

What is a Pedigree Chart?

A pedigree chart is a visual representation of a family’s ancestry. It is a family tree that shows the relationships between individuals across several generations. The chart typically includes the names of the individuals, their dates of birth and death, and their relationships to one another.

Why are Pedigree Charts Important in Genealogy Research?

Pedigree charts are important in genealogy research because they provide a clear and concise way to trace a family’s ancestry through multiple generations. By looking at a pedigree chart, you can quickly identify individuals who are related to one another and see how they fit into the family tree.

Pedigree charts can also be used to identify gaps in your research. If you are missing information about a particular individual, you can use the chart to see if there are other relatives who may have more information. For example, if you are missing information about a great-grandparent, you may be able to find more information by researching their siblings or children.

How to Create a Pedigree Chart

Creating a pedigree chart is a straightforward process. Here are the basic steps to follow:

Start with yourself. Begin by writing your name in the center of the chart and drawing a box around it.
Add your parents. Draw a line from your box to each of your parents’ boxes, and write their names inside.
Add your grandparents. Draw a line from each of your parents’ boxes to their parents’ boxes, and write their names inside.
Continue adding generations. Add as many generations as you have information for, using the same method of drawing lines and writing names inside boxes.
Include relevant information. In addition to names, you may want to include dates of birth and death, places of birth and death, and other relevant information such as occupations or immigration status.
Use a template or software. There are many templates available online that you can use to create your pedigree chart. You can also use genealogy software such as Ancestry.com or Family Tree Maker to create and store your chart.

In conclusion, pedigree charts are an essential tool for genealogists who are tracing their ancestry through multiple generations. They provide a clear and concise way to visualize a family’s lineage, identify gaps in your research, and organize your findings. By following these simple steps, you can create your own pedigree chart and take your genealogy research to the next level.

Research Logs

Research Logs: Keeping Track of Your Genealogy Quest

Genealogy research can be a time-consuming and complicated process, especially when you’re tracing your family tree back several generations. With so much information to keep track of, it’s easy to lose track of your progress and forget where you left off. That’s where research logs come in. In this blog post, we will explore what research logs are, how they can be used in genealogy research, and how to create one for your own family history.

What is a Research Log?

A research log is a document that genealogists use to keep track of their research progress. It’s essentially a record-keeping tool that allows you to keep track of the sources you’ve searched, the information you’ve found, and any gaps in your research that you need to fill. It can be a physical notebook or a digital document, as long as it’s organized and easy to reference.

Why are Research Logs Important in Genealogy Research?

Research logs are essential in genealogy research because they help you keep track of your progress and ensure that you don’t miss any important information. They allow you to document the sources you’ve searched, the information you’ve found, and any roadblocks you’ve encountered. By keeping a research log, you can easily pick up where you left off and avoid duplicating your efforts.

Research logs can also help you identify patterns in your research. For example, you may notice that you’re consistently having trouble finding information about a particular ancestor or that you tend to find more information in certain types of sources. This information can help you adjust your research strategy and focus your efforts more effectively.

How to Create a Research Log

Creating a research log is a straightforward process. Here are the basic steps to follow:

Determine the format. Decide whether you want to keep a physical notebook or a digital document.
Set up the columns. Create columns for the date, source searched, information found, and any notes or observations you want to make.
Start with what you know. Begin by documenting the sources you’ve already searched and the information you’ve found. Be sure to include any gaps in your research that you need to fill.
Update regularly. Update your research log regularly as you conduct new searches and find new information. Make sure to document the date of each search so you can keep track of your progress over time.
Be thorough. Be sure to document all of the sources you search, even if you don’t find any information. This will help you avoid duplicating your efforts in the future.
Use a template or software. There are many templates available online that you can use to create your research log. You can also use genealogy software such as Ancestry.com or Family Tree Maker to create and store your log.

Research logs are an essential tool for genealogists who want to keep track of their research progress and avoid duplicating their efforts. By following these simple steps, you can create your own research log and take your genealogy research to the next level. Remember to be thorough, update regularly, and use a format that works best for you.

Software for Managing Your Family Tree

As your family tree grows, it can become more difficult to manage and organize all the information you have collected. This is where genealogy software comes in. Genealogy software can help you to manage your family tree by organizing and storing all your information in one place. Some popular genealogy software programs include Family Tree Maker, RootsMagic, and Legacy Family Tree.

In addition to paid genealogy software programs, there are also free online genealogy or family tree applications available. Some popular free applications include Ancestry.com, MyHeritage, and FamilySearch. These online applications allow you to create and manage your family tree online and can be accessed from anywhere.

If you’re looking for an online genealogy software program to help manage your family tree, there are several options available. Here is a list of some popular online genealogy software programs along with their URLs:

Ancestry.com – Ancestry.com is a popular genealogy website that offers a variety of tools for building and managing your family tree. You can create your family tree online, connect with other members, and access billions of historical records. URL: https://www.ancestry.com/
MyHeritage – MyHeritage is a genealogy website that offers online family tree building and access to millions of historical records. It also offers DNA testing services to help you discover more about your family history. URL: https://www.myheritage.com/
FamilySearch – FamilySearch is a free genealogy website operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It offers access to billions of historical records, online family tree building, and a variety of tools for managing your family history research. URL: https://www.familysearch.org/
WikiTree – WikiTree is a free, collaborative genealogy website that allows you to create and edit your family tree online. It also offers a variety of tools for connecting with other genealogy researchers and sharing information. URL: https://www.wikitree.com/
Geni – Geni is a collaborative genealogy website that allows you to create and edit your family tree online. It also offers a variety of tools for connecting with other genealogy researchers and sharing information. URL: https://www.geni.com/
Gramps – Gramps is a free, open-source genealogy software program that you can download and install on your computer. It allows you to create and manage your family tree offline, as well as access a variety of tools for research and analysis. URL: https://gramps-project.org/
Legacy Family Tree – Legacy Family Tree is a paid genealogy software program that you can download and install on your computer. It offers a variety of tools for building and managing your family tree, as well as access to billions of historical records. URL: https://legacyfamilytree.com/
RootsMagic – RootsMagic is a paid genealogy software program that you can download and install on your computer. It offers a variety of tools for building and managing your family tree, as well as access to billions of historical records. URL: https://www.rootsmagic.com/

These are just a few of the many online genealogy software programs available for managing your family tree. Whether you choose a free online option or a paid software program, these tools can help you organize your research and discover more about your family history.

Importance of Completing Genealogy Sheets and Charts

Creating your own Family Record Sheets and Pedigree Charts is an important step in managing your family tree. By organizing and recording all your information, you can easily keep track of your research and identify any patterns or connections between family members. Using genealogy software can help you to manage and organize your family tree even further.

When starting a genealogy research project, it’s essential to start keeping track of all the information you find as soon as possible. Creating genealogy sheets and charts is one of the best ways to do this. Not only do these forms help you stay organized, but they also provide a visual representation of your family tree that can help you identify missing information or make new discoveries.

Importance of Completing Genealogy Sheets and Charts Early

Completing genealogy sheets and charts early in your research can help you in a number of ways. First and foremost, they help you keep track of the information you find. When you’re researching multiple families, it can be challenging to keep everything organized in your head. Having a visual representation of the information makes it easier to see patterns and connections and identify where you need to look for additional information.

Genealogy sheets and charts can also help you identify gaps in your research. When you’re looking at a blank spot on a chart or form, you know that you need to do more research in that area. By identifying gaps early, you can make a plan for gathering additional information and avoid going down rabbit holes that won’t help you complete your family tree.

Finally, completing genealogy sheets and charts early can help you avoid errors. When you’re recording information as you find it, you’re less likely to make mistakes. You can also identify discrepancies more easily and make sure that you have the correct information before moving forward with your research.

Where to Find Fillable Sheets and Charts?

Genealogy research involves tracing family lineage and preserving family history. One of the best ways to organize and document this information is by using fillable sheets and charts specifically designed for genealogy research. These forms can help genealogists organize their research, identify gaps in their research, and track their progress.

Fortunately, there are several websites that offer a variety of free fillable genealogy forms. Here are three such websites:

Family Tree Magazine: This website offers a variety of free genealogy forms, including family group sheets, census extraction forms, and research logs. Family group sheets provide a way to record information about an individual’s family, such as their spouse, children, and parents. Census extraction forms allow you to extract relevant information from census records, which can be an invaluable resource for genealogy research. Research logs provide a way to keep track of your research and identify areas where you need to do further investigation.
Ancestry.com: Ancestry offers a variety of fillable genealogy forms, including family group sheets, research logs, and timelines. Timelines can be particularly useful for genealogists, as they provide a way to visualize a person’s life events in chronological order. This can be helpful in identifying gaps in your research or in verifying information you have already found.
RootsWeb: RootsWeb has a wide variety of free genealogy forms, including family group sheets, pedigree charts, and research logs. Pedigree charts provide a way to visualize a person’s ancestors and descendants, and can be helpful in identifying patterns in family relationships. Research logs allow you to keep track of your research and document your sources, which is important for maintaining the integrity of your research.

Fillable sheets and charts can be extremely helpful for genealogy research. By using these forms, you can organize your research, identify gaps in your research, and track your progress. Family Tree Magazine, Ancestry.com, and RootsWeb are just a few of the websites that offer free fillable genealogy forms. By taking advantage of these resources, you can make your genealogy research more efficient and effective.

Using Online Genealogy Software

Online genealogy software can make creating and organizing family tree charts and genealogy sheets easier and more efficient than ever before. Here are some tips for using online genealogy software effectively:

Choose the right software: There are many different online genealogy software options available, each with their own unique features and capabilities. Some popular options include Ancestry, MyHeritage, and FamilySearch. Consider your specific needs and goals for your family tree project, and choose a software that will best meet those needs.
Input your family information: Once you have chosen your software, it’s time to start inputting your family information. Begin with yourself and your immediate family, and work your way back through your ancestors. Be sure to include important details such as birth and death dates, locations, and relationships.
Use the software’s features: Most online genealogy software includes a range of features designed to help you organize and analyze your family tree data. Some popular features include search functions, family tree charts, and record collections. Take the time to explore and experiment with these features, as they can help you uncover new information and insights.
Collaborate with others: Many online genealogy software platforms allow you to collaborate with other researchers, whether they are family members or strangers with a shared interest in your family history. Consider joining online genealogy communities or message boards to connect with others who may be able to help you with your research.
Back up your data: As with any online platform, it is important to back up your genealogy data regularly. This will help ensure that your data is not lost or corrupted due to technical issues or errors. Consider backing up your data to an external hard drive or cloud storage service to ensure its safety.

In conclusion, using online genealogy software can make the process of creating and organizing genealogy sheets and charts much easier and more efficient. By choosing the right software, inputting your family information, utilizing the software’s features, collaborating with others, and backing up your data regularly, you can create a detailed and accurate family tree that will be a valuable resource for generations to come.

Some of The Best Free Online Genealogy Applications

There are many free online genealogy and family tree applications available, and each has its own unique features and benefits. Here are some of the best free online genealogy or family tree applications:

FamilySearch – FamilySearch is a non-profit organization that offers free access to genealogical records and resources. It also provides a free online family tree builder that allows you to add, edit, and collaborate with others on your family tree.
MyHeritage – MyHeritage offers a free version of its online family tree builder that includes basic features such as adding and editing family members, uploading photos and documents, and sharing your tree with others.
Ancestry – Ancestry offers a free trial of its online family tree builder, which includes the ability to add and edit family members, search for records, and create charts and reports.
WikiTree – WikiTree is a free, collaborative family tree website where users can add and edit information on their ancestors. It includes features such as privacy controls, sourcing options, and community forums.
Gramps – Gramps is a free, open-source genealogy software that allows you to create and edit family trees, add and edit family members, and import and export data.
GenealogyBank – GenealogyBank is a subscription-based website that offers access to historical newspapers, obituaries, and other genealogical resources. However, it also provides a free online family tree builder with basic features such as adding family members and attaching sources.

Each of these applications has its own unique features and benefits, so it’s important to choose one that best fits your needs and preferences.

Why You Should Use Family Tree Record Sheets and Pedigree Charts?

Family tree record sheets and pedigree charts are essential tools for anyone conducting genealogical research. Here are some reasons why you should use them:

Organization – By recording your family tree information on record sheets and pedigree charts, you can easily organize and keep track of the information you’ve gathered. These forms help you to clearly see the relationships between family members and to identify any gaps or missing information.
Accuracy – Using record sheets and pedigree charts helps you to ensure that your research is accurate and complete. By filling in each field on the form, you can be sure that you are not missing any important details and that you are accurately representing each individual in your family tree.
Collaboration – Record sheets and pedigree charts are also great tools for collaborating with other family members who are interested in genealogy. By sharing these forms with others, you can work together to fill in missing information and to build a more complete family tree.
Preservation – Record sheets and pedigree charts also help to preserve your research for future generations. By creating a neat and orderly record of your family tree information, you can ensure that your research is easily accessible and understandable to your descendants.

Overall, using family tree record sheets and pedigree charts is an important part of any genealogical research project. They help you to organize and keep track of your research, ensure accuracy, facilitate collaboration, and preserve your findings for future generations.

5 Tips and Strategies

Creating your own family tree record sheets and pedigree charts is a crucial step in genealogical research. Not only does it help you organize your findings, but it can also help identify gaps in your research and lead you to discover new information. Here are some tips and strategies to help you create your own family tree record sheets and pedigree charts.

Start with a basic chart or sheet template There are many templates available online that you can use to create your family tree record sheets and pedigree charts. These templates can be customized to fit your needs, and many are available for free. Starting with a basic template can save you time and ensure that you have all the necessary information.
Be consistent with your data entry It’s important to maintain consistency when entering data on your family tree record sheets and pedigree charts. For example, if you use a specific date format, make sure that you use that format consistently throughout your research. This will make it easier to read and understand your research, and will also help you identify any missing information or errors.
Record sources and attach documents Recording sources is essential when it comes to genealogical research. Make sure to note where you obtained your information, so you can revisit the source later if necessary. It’s also a good idea to attach any relevant documents and photographs to your family record. This can include birth certificates, marriage licenses, obituaries, and photographs of family members.
Update your charts and sheets regularly As your research progresses, your family tree record sheets and pedigree charts will grow and change. It’s important to update your charts and sheets regularly to ensure that they remain accurate and up-to-date. This will also help you identify any missing information or errors.
Use online genealogy software Online genealogy software can help you create family tree record sheets and pedigree charts quickly and easily. Many online genealogy websites offer these tools for free or for a fee. They can also help you identify missing information and link you to relevant records.

By following these tips and strategies, you can create accurate and comprehensive family tree record sheets and pedigree charts. These tools will help you organize your research and lead you to new discoveries. Remember to be consistent with your data entry, record your sources and attach documents, update your charts and sheets regularly, and consider using online genealogy software.

Continuing Abraham’s Story

Abraham was really happy he stumbled upon the ’22 Steps in Researching Your Family Tree’ and about the ‘Discovering Your Past’ Blog Series.

Using all the information as a guide, Abraham remembers starting his genealogy research with Step 1 and has been following it religiously ever since. As he progressed, he realized the importance of using various sheets and charts to organize the data he collected.

Abraham used Family Group Sheets and Individual Sheets to record his ancestors’ information, including their birth, marriage, and death dates. He found that this helped him keep track of each family unit and made it easier to compare the information.

Pedigree Charts were also useful for Abraham, allowing him to see his ancestors’ lineage at a glance. It helped him to identify missing links and potential areas for further research.

Research Logs were also a valuable tool for Abraham as it allowed him to keep track of his research progress, including where he searched, what he found, and what he needed to follow up on.

Using all these sheets and charts, Abraham was able to create a comprehensive family tree with all the information he had collected. He was thrilled with the result and realized how much easier it made his research. The detailed steps, tips, and advice had been invaluable, and he knew he wouldn’t have been able to make as much progress without it.

Now, with his family tree complete, Abraham was excited to continue his research and uncover more about his family’s past. Abraham had organized everything, he was thrilled that the next ‘Step 21’ to learn how to properly back up and safely store his important files. And he knew that he had the tools and knowledge to do so thanks to the ‘Discovering Your Past’ Blog Series.

End Remarks for Step 20

In conclusion, creating family tree record sheets and pedigree charts are essential in organizing and keeping track of your genealogical research. By documenting your information in a neat and orderly manner, you will be able to easily access and share your findings with others. Additionally, backing up your personal and online files is crucial in preserving your treasured keepsakes for future generations. By using the tips and strategies outlined in this step, you can ensure that your files are properly stored and secure. In Step 21, we will delve deeper into the importance of backing up your files and provide tips and strategies for doing so.

Until the next blog, hope to see you there… Cheers!

step-20-create-your-own-sheets-and-pedigree-charts-student-notes-1 Download

NOTE:

In closing this blog post, I hope that the blog series has been beneficial to you about learning more about genealogy and how to trace your family history. If you have any questions, comments, or feedback on the series or would like to suggest any improvements, please don’t hesitate to send me a message or email. I value your input and appreciate your support in helping me to create more helpful and informative content for aspiring genealogists. Thank you for following along on this journey, and I wish you the best of luck in your own genealogical research.

Sign Up Today to get new content delivered directly to your inbox.